Desperate Housewives
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Mary Alice Young

Mary Alice Young

Played by Brenda Strong

THE SKINNY:

  • First of the housewives on Wisteria Lane
  • Real name was Angela Forrest
  • Her dark past led to her suicide
Previous Quote

"Yes, you can learn a lot about women from what they choose to wear. But you can learn even more by what they choose to take off... And who they take it off for." - Mary Alice Young

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Character Bio

As our narrator, Mary Alice Young weaves her own story into those of four housewives, her best friends: Lynette, Susan, Bree, and Gabrielle. Mary Alice knows their hopes, their dreams, their desires, and most importantly, their secrets.

You see…she used to be one of them. But her desperation to have a normal life lead to a series of tragic events that culminated with her suicide. And, in the wake of this horrific act, she left behind her son Zach and her husband Paul to pick up the pieces.

Now she can only guide us from beyond. And, although her friends and family miss her terribly, her presence will always be felt on Wisteria Lane.

Actor Bio

Where would Desperate Housewives be without perhaps its most familiar voice to guide us through each episode? Brenda Strong can be seen—mostly heard—as Mary Alice Young, the departed narrator of the hit ABC series.

A native of Portland, OR, Strong left home to attend Arizona State University, where she earned a bachelors degree in Musical Theater. After graduation she moved to Los Angeles, where she soon began appearing in television and films.

A familiar face on television, Strong has guest starred on C.S.I. and had recurring roles on the popular series Nip/Tuck, Everwood and the critically-acclaimed Sports Night. She is also recognizable to Seinfeld fans as Sue Ellen Mishkie, better known as "The Braless Wonder."

Strong starred in the features The Kid and I, The Work and the Glory, Starship Troopers, Starship Troopers 2, The Deep End of the Ocean, opposite Michelle Pfeiffer and Treat Williams, The Craft, and the Mel Brooks comedy Spaceballs.

Strong is a certified yoga instructor in Los Angeles and has a line of videos designed to help infertile couples through yoga therapy. She has also taught at UCLA's Mind-Body Institute.

She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son.

ABC.com

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